T20 World Cup: Irfan Pathan Flags Off-Spin Woes as Abhishek Sharma Backs Team Spirit Before Super 8

Under pressure after a string of failures, Abhishek Sharma enters the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 with three ducks in a row, enduring an unprecedented rut in the middle of his first ICC tournament.

Despite the poor run, the dashing southpaw appeared to keep his spirits high and even delivered a motivational pep talk to the Indian team during their practice session ahead of their first Super 8 match against South Africa.

The team talk, shared by the BCCI, ended on an emphatic note that drew a smile from head coach Gautam Gambhir.

He then concluded his speech by exclaiming the slogan 'Jo Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal (Whoever utters this shall be fulfilled; Eternal is the true Lord)', prompting an energetic roar from teammates while Gambhir laughed.

Why is Abhishek Sharma’s form a major concern ahead of India’s Super 8 match?

Abhishek’s form has been a major talking point among experts and fans heading into India’s first Super 8 match.

Tipped by many to be the top run-scorer before the tournament, the No. 1 T20I batter in the world is yet to score a single run in this edition.

India, the defending champions, will face the runners-up of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Sunday, aiming to extend their unbeaten run after topping the group stage with wins over the USA, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands, while South Africa will look to avenge their previous World Cup defeat.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan analysed the struggles of Abhishek against off-spinners and the batting approach of Ishan Kishan.

Pathan pointed out that off-spinners have consistently troubled Abhishek in the group stage and attributed it to his shot selection and bat angle.

Why is Abhishek Sharma struggling against off-spinners in the T20 World Cup?

"Abhishek Sharma is getting out to off-spinners. Against Pakistan and the Netherlands, off-spinners got him. The problem lies in his shot selection. His bat comes down from a high angle, and he is not looking to hit straight,” Pathan said on JioHotstar.

“He is trying to play across the wicket. That is getting him into trouble. He moves his front foot away to create room, but bowlers are not giving him room. They are bowling wide, not close to him. These are not drivable balls. These are balls you either take a single on or, if you hold your shape, you can hit one-bounce fours,” he added.

“That is what Salman Ali Agha and Aryan Dutt bowled to him. South Africa will do the same. His bat angle is coming across, which is natural to him. He does not need to change that. If he tries to change it now, it will be a mess,” the former Indian cricketer said.

“He has not scored runs. First things first, get a single, get off the mark. Expect the spinner to come in, get to the other end, and target the fast bowlers. When Markram comes on to bowl to him, he does not need to bludgeon from the first ball," Pathan added.

Abhishek has not managed a run in three innings against USA, Pakistan and the Netherlands, and has five ducks in his last eight innings.

He also played the latter two matches after battling a stomach infection that put him in hospital and reportedly led to significant weight loss.

Why is Ishan Kishan being hailed as India’s standout batter in the T20 World Cup?

Pathan, meanwhile, lauded Kishan, calling him India’s standout performer with the bat so far and highlighting his dominance on the leg side.

"Ishan Kishan is in the form of his life. He is playing the leg side really well. He targets square-leg and fine-leg. When bowlers change their plans, he steps out and targets long-on and mid-on as well. In this T20 World Cup, bowlers have given Ishan the chance to play in his favourite leg-side zone,” he said.

“He does not target the offside much. Pakistan, USA and Namibia all gave him deliveries he could hit on the leg side. But against South Africa, things could change. Every batter has a go-to shot. If you bowl short to Rohit Sharma early, he will pull you and not spare you. Same with Ishan Kishan. If you give him leg-side deliveries at the start, it's trouble,” he added.

“Against South Africa, I want to see what Kishan does when they bowl wide and make him play on the off-side early. Not saying he cannot play there. He has improved a lot, but only after getting set," Pathan said.

Kishan has scored 176 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 202.29, including two fifties and a 40-ball 77 on a slow, sluggish track against Pakistan at Colombo.

(With inputs from ANI)